Find Christmas Presents & Gift Ideas

Christmas is a sacred holiday observed by Christians to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, a spiritual leader whose teachings shaped the religion. The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown. However, in 350 AD Pope Julius I declared December 25 as a day of commemoration for Jesus Christ. In 1870, the United States Congress recognized Christmas as a federal holiday. Since then, members of the Christian religion unanimously embrace Christmas Day to remember Jesus, renew their faith in Christianity, and revive the spirit of compassion.

Traditionally, Christmas Day celebrations are universal. The day symbolizes the joyous time when Jesus Christ was born. Many customs involve a display of Christmas decorations, ornaments, trees, colorful lights, wreaths and mistletoe throughout the home or office. Some traditions include engaging in prayer, attending church service and participating in candlelight vigils. Still, other customs may include a combination of religious rituals. Mostly, family and friends gather to eat an extensive meal, tell Christmas stories, and sing Christmas songs.

As the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas invokes the spirit of joy, kindness and giving. People send cards to family, friends, and even strangers. The practice of exchanging Christmas cards started in the late 1800s with mail delivery by the Pony Express. Since that time, cards have been a central part of the Christmas tradition. Even with the fast rise of technology, many prefer to send Christmas cards the old-fashioned way—via the U.S. Postal Service. Traditionally, a card’s cover depicts Jesus, Mary and Joseph or other nostalgic scenes. Recipients rejoice upon opening the card to find words of inspiration.

Christmas gift giving dates back to Jesus’ birth. The Wise Men brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrrh as a symbol of love and respect. Today, people give thoughtful gifts of gourmet hampers, a gift basket of delectable treats. The hamper may include nuts and cheese, tea and coffee, biscuits and jam or wine and chocolate. Other thoughtful gifts include personalized picture frames, coffee mugs and clothes. The person who receives a personalized gift will cherish it forever.

Children especially look forward to Christmas. Christmas gift ideas start popping into their little heads the moment they see Santa, reindeer and elves on television. They start counting down the days until Christmas Day. It’s a time when they get to enjoy eating gingerbread cookies, participate in Christmas games and sing Christmas carols. And on Christmas Day, the surprise and joy on children’s faces as they rip open their presents and battery-operated toys serve to remind adults that Christmas is a timeless celebration.